/practical / serum amylase

Amylase
Amylase is enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of starch, glycogen, and some oligosaccharides. Alpha amylases, break down the alpha-1,4 glycosidic linkages in these substrates, producing glucose, maltose, and dextrins, which contain the branched products of degradation.
Amylase is produced in the pancreas and salivary glands.
The finding of increased concentrations of amylase in blood and urine is clinically significant to the diagnosis of pancreatitis, salivary gland tumor, mumps, perforated peptic ulcer, renal insufficiency, and diabetic ketoacidosis.
Low levels of serum amylase may indicate pancreatic insufficiency such as found in cystic fibrosis.
Normal serum value is 50-120 IU/L. The value is increased about 1000 times in acute pancreatitis which is a life-threatening condition. Moderate increase in serum levels are seen in chronic pancreatitis, mumps (parotitis) and obstruction of pancreatic duct.
Amylase
Amylase is enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of starch, glycogen, and some oligosaccharides. Alpha amylases, break down the alpha-1,4 glycosidic linkages in these substrates, producing glucose, maltose, and dextrins, which contain the branched products of degradation.
Amylase is produced in the pancreas and salivary glands.
The finding of increased concentrations of amylase in blood and urine is clinically significant to the diagnosis of pancreatitis, salivary gland tumor, mumps, perforated peptic ulcer, renal insufficiency, and diabetic ketoacidosis.
Low levels of serum amylase may indicate pancreatic insufficiency such as found in cystic fibrosis.
Normal serum value is 50-120 IU/L. The value is increased about 1000 times in acute pancreatitis which is a life-threatening condition. Moderate increase in serum levels are seen in chronic pancreatitis, mumps (parotitis) and obstruction of pancreatic duct.